Staff of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) were praised for their efficiency in managing the distribution of unemployment benefits to retrenched temporary government workers and private sector employees during the last few months.

These comments came from Minister of Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development, Senator Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo, during her opening remarks at the NIS??? annual Good Employees Matter (GEM) Awards, at the Frank Walcott Building on Friday, June 6.

???I???ve heard of many stories where employees here [at the NIS] are worried for the welfare of others before thinking of themselves,??? she said. ???Your will, energy and achievements all do well for this great nation of ours.???

The Labour Minister also indicated that ensuring persons received their national insurance unemployment benefits was ???throwing a lifeline to them and their families??? and despite having to overcome several challenges, ???the sterling role that [the NIS] plays every day, contributes not only to the success of this department but to the economic viability of this country???.

The NIS??? GEM awards ceremony was the culmination of a week of activities which celebrated the department???s 47th anniversary.??The event featured performances by singer Rochelle Griffith and the Royal Barbados Police Force Band, as well as a humorous and thought-provoking key note address from entertainer Mac Fingall, which covered themes of excellence, self-belief and confidence.

Awards of long service were given to staff employed by the NIS for over 10 years, the most notable being Anthony Thomas and Beverly Greene, who each spent 40 years with that department.

jamal.hall@barbados.gov.bb

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